Dolphins report card

Failure to pressure Andrew Luck leads to record-setting day for Colts rookie

November 4, 2012|Mike Berardino, Sun Sentinel Columnist

INDIANAPOLIS – — Just as the Heat did in losing to the Sandy-inspired Knicks on Friday, the Dolphins fell to a highly emotional foe on its home turf.

Leukemia-stricken Colts coach Chuck Pagano, a former University of Miami assistant, spoke to his team before and after Sunday's 23-20 Dolphins loss. Colts players dedicated the win to Pagano, who was attending his first game since being diagnosed Sept. 26.

Offense: Joe Philbin didn't mince words when asked about his team's pass protection, calling it "average at best." Even though Ryan Tannehill was sacked just twice, he was hit six other times and flushed from the pocket far too often considering he was playing hurt. Tannehill made a ton of strong throws on a 290-yard day, but he went cold as the Dolphins managed just three points in the final 35 minutes. Half of the Dolphins' eight penalties came on false starts against the offensive line.

Grade: C-plus

Defense: So much for this group's third-down efficiency. The Colts converted 13 of 19 third downs, including six of 10 yards or longer. That's pathetic defense. Facing double teams for most of the day, Cameron Wake was limited to one strip sack, even after he knocked starting right tackle Winston Justice out with a knee injury. Karlos Dansby dropped a potential pick-six at midfield in the third quarter. Four plays later, Andrew Luck found ex-FIU Panther T.Y. Hilton for a 36-yard touchdown.

Grade: C-minus

Special teams: Marlon Moore committed a holding penalty in the final three minutes that cost the Dolphins' 30 huge yards of field position. Instead of starting near midfield after Marcus Thigpen's strong punt return, the Dolphins were pinned back on their 17. That offset an open-field tackle Moore made earlier after a 60-yard punt by Brandon Fields. Dan Carpenter made a pair of chip-shot field goals from 37 and 31 yards.

Grade: B

Coaching: The Dolphins couldn't find a way to properly protect Tannehill or consistently get to Luck, who passed for a rookie-record 433 yards. They also failed to build on a 17-10 edge in the final 2:30 of the first half, going three-and-out at midfield, then letting the Colts draw closer with a 10-play field-goal march.

Grade: C

Turning Point: Sean Smith's missed tackle on Colts tight end Dwayne Allen with the Colts facing third-and-11 from their 5 in a tie game. Allen gained 20 yards on the play and the Colts marched down for the game-winning points. Smith also dropped two possible interceptions, including one at the Colts' 35 with three minutes remaining.

Second Guess: Even though the rushing attack averaged 4.7 yards per carry, the Dolphins passed on 16 of 17 fourth-quarter plays. The lone run saw Reggie Bush gain 9 yards. As they did in the overtime loss to the Jets in Week 3, the Dolphins got far too pass-happy at the end.

Tannehill Take: Even somewhat gimpy, Tannehill did a nice job on sprint rollouts to his right. He stood tall in the pocket, never berated his protection crew for letting Dwight Freeney and friends get to him far too often and had the visitors in a position to win with two minutes left.

Honorable Mention: Dolphins CB Nolan Carroll had a team-high 10 tackles, two for loss, and broke up three passes.

Overall: For the third time in four tries under Philbin, the Dolphins lost a game decided by exactly three points. Until they learn to finish, they won't be ready for prime time or even a serious run at a playoff spot.